When you’re stressed, the average weight loss snacks don’t always appeal. After all, most of us want foods from the same types of categories when we’re really stressed out. We want that ultra-creamy ice cream. We’ll have the cream-filled, chocolate topped donuts with sprinkles. Some of us will dig our way through an entire bag of chips.
What To Munch on When Things Get Tough
That said, those options aren’t just bad for your waistline. They’re also not great for your stress levels! Still, stress-eating happens. It even happens to nutritionists and dieticians who know better. The key is to find the right treats to help you to choose weight loss snacks that still satisfy that ultra-anxious craving for something rich, sweet and/or fatty.
Weight Loss Snacks for Stress #1: Chocolate-Covered Nuts or Berries
That’s right, you can have chocolate-covered nuts and still consider it to be part of your weight loss snacks! Look for truly high-quality dark chocolate that has a large cocoa content. Choose almonds, walnuts or even chickpeas, strawberries or blueberries if you’d prefer not to have nuts. You still shouldn’t eat a whole bowl full of them, but at least you’ll enjoy some healthy fats, fiber, protein, antioxidants…and chocolate.
Weight Loss Snacks for Stress #2: Salted Nuts
Chocolate not your thing? Yes, there are some people who don’t get chocolate cravings. If you’re among them, the taste of salted nuts might appeal to you more. The saltiness along with the good fat in the nuts can help to satisfy that food craving feeling we get when we’re stressed. They’re great foods for snacking because they’re a great source of healthy fats and magnesium as well as protein and fiber. If you want to switch things up a bit, try dusting them with paprika or cinnamon.
Weight Loss Snacks for Stress #3: Berry Sorbet
Make your own berry sorbet ahead of what you know will be a hard day, and you’ll never stop thanking yourself. The only ingredients you need are fresh (or frozen) berries, water and pure vanilla extract. You’ll love how low-cal, super sweet and great for you these weight loss snacks truly are.
Weight Loss Snacks for Stress #4: Oatmeal
This may not sound like something you’d naturally think about when you’re stressed, but if you make yourself a bowl of oatmeal, add a touch of milk for creaminess and throw in some berries and/or cinnamon, it’s the perfect option. It’s filling, high in fiber and it really hits the spot. Oatmeal is an ultra comforting option among weight loss snacks.
Weight Loss Snacks for Stress #5: Whole Grain Toast
It may not sound like much, but a slice of whole grain toast is satisfying and immensely comforting. On top of that, it also contains vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, which can help your body’s ability to feel calm naturally. Add a touch of all-peanuts peanut butter (not the kind that contains sugar, or you might as well be using cake frosting) and/or half a mashed banana, and you’ll enjoy a truly tasty and filling treat.
Don’t Ignore Your Cravings, but Don’t Listen to them, Either
When it comes to choosing weight loss snacks for stress, it’s very important that you choose something that appeals. After all, it’s easy to say that all you need is a big bowl of plain lettuce…but when was the last time you craved a giant bowl of plain lettuce when you were feeling overwhelmed and overstretched?
When you’re stressed and need healthy snacks to munch on, the odds are that you are craving something specific. This isn’t always the case, but when it happens, pay attention to what that something is. If the craving is for something sweet, you’ll likely want to skip the pan of brownies, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a dark chocolate covered strawberry. You won’t want to eat that family-size bag of chips, but you can grab a handful of salted roasted nuts. Instead of that whole container of Häagen-Dazs, that berry sorbet is all yours.
